By appointment to Camphill School Aberdeen

I'm delighted to report that Ken McEwen Public Relations has been appointed to handle PR work for Camphill School Aberdeen.

Although I have worked with Camphill, ever since I set up and managed the successful Save Camphill campaign in 2004/05, this is the first time that I have been working directly with the school that inspired the international Camphill Movement – one of the world’s biggest support organisations providing opportunities for individuals with additional support needs.

We’re already right in the thick of it with preparations for the Scottish Parliament motion put forward by Alison McInnes.

Camphill takes its name from Camphill House, in the Milltimber area of Aberdeen, where the first community opened its doors to children with special needs on June 1, 1940.

Since then the Camphill model has extended across Europe, North America and into Africa and India. There are more than 100 Camphill centres in more than 20 countries. All look to Aberdeen and Camphill School Aberdeen for their inspiration.

I’m particularly looking forward to doing my bit to spread the word about the amazing work of Camphill School Aberdeen. They are the only school in Aberdeen to hold Autism Accreditation and, in their reassessment last year, they received a 100% satisfaction rating from parents.

In January, they went on to be recognised for “sector-leading” standards in their inspection report from Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.

The motion proposed by Alison McInnes is: “That the Parliament applauds the Camphill movement, which has supported children, young people and adults of all ages with learning disabilities, mental health issues and other support needs for more than seven decades; notes that the Camphill movement, founded in 1940 near Aberdeen, has now expanded to become a worldwide movement that boasts over 100 communities in more than 20 countries, including 12 in Scotland; understands that the movement’s approach seeks to provide mutual support and nurture independence through living, learning and working together; congratulates Camphill School in Aberdeen and its eco-committee on receiving a Gold Green Flag award, which it understands was achieved through pupil-led initiatives, including developing an eco-code, litter-picking and encouraging recycling; considers that this is an example of the innovative and ambitious nature of the movement; further believes that the movement's success has been made possible by the dedication of staff, co-workers and volunteers, and wishes all of those involved continued success in the future.”